Hexagram 31
Influence (Xián)
Above: Lake · Below: Mountain
When the heart is moved — that is influence
Video
The judgment
When hearts are moved toward each other, things go well. Keep to what is right; taking a wife brings good fortune.
The Image: A lake on the mountain: influence. So the noble person receives others with an open, humble heart.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
Two moved by each other — moved in the right way. Strike a thing and it rings; recognize the moment and its signs.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
The hen bird lives alone and returns to her old nest; her feathers are worn and dull, her heart like cold ashes.
A lonely hen bird returns to her old nest, her feathers worn, her heart gone cold.
Takashima
- On marriage: the hexagram shows mountain and lake sharing their breath — the two families are in harmony. Great good fortune.
- On trade: receive others with an open mind. Buy local produce and trade it on, and you will profit greatly.
Five common questions
Timing
Receive others openly, and things connect
Health
A little run down; nourish early
Money
Listen to customers; business follows
Home
A house by hills and water; hearts in tune
Love
Mountain and lake as one; two families in harmony
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Six at the beginning: Influence in the big toe.
- Six in the second place: Influence in the calves. Misfortune. Staying put brings good fortune.
- Nine in the third place: Influence in the thighs, clinging to what it follows. Going on brings humiliation.
- Nine in the fourth place: Steadfastness brings good fortune; regret vanishes. If the mind comes and goes restlessly, only friends follow your thoughts.
- Nine in the fifth place: Influence in the back of the neck. No regret.
- Six at the top: Influence in the jaws, the cheeks and the tongue.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.